Jerry Thalken

A Mass of Christian Burial for Gerald E. "Jerry" Thalken will be held on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at All Saints Catholic Church in Holdrege, Nebraska with Father Jay Buhman as Celebrant.

Cremation will follow the Mass and a private inurnment will be held at the Omaha National Cemetery, Omaha, Nebraska.

Gerald Edward "Jerry" Thalken, 88 years of age, of Holdrege, and Mesa, Arizona, passed away on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at the Banner-Baywood Medical Center in Mesa.  Jerry was born on October 26, 1936, in rural Raeville, Nebraska, the eldest of six children born to Fred and Dolores (Bruns) Thalken. His family moved to Clarkson, Nebraska and he graduated from Clarkson High School, with the class of 1954.

Jerry continued his education at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1958.  He taught school for four years in Sidney, and Columbus, Nebraska.  On October 26, 1962, Jerry was commissioned to the United States Navy, and served aboard the USS Hornet, as well as in various parts of Vietnam during the Vietnam War.  He received numerous medals and was honorably discharged on August 19, 1968.

On November 27, 1971, Jerry was united in marriage to Darlene Goedeken at Christ Lutheran Church in Columbus, Nebraska.  The couple made their home in Holdrege, where Jerry was working for Becton Dickinson.  He worked at and managed BD plants in Holdrege, Salt Lake City, Utah, andHancock, New York, before returning to Holdrege and working at Becton Dickinson until his retirement.  The couple were blessed with one son, Mark.

After retirement, Jerry spent time volunteering for several community organizations. He was also an avid golfer, bowler, hunter, and fisherman.  Jerry loved to spend time with his grandson, Edward, every chance he was able.

He was a member of All Saints Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, served on the Phelps Memorial Health Center Hospital Board and the Phelps County Community Foundation Board.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Bill Thalken.

Jerry leaves to celebrate his life; his wife of 53 years, Darlene Thalken of Holdrege; his son, Mark Thalken and wife, Katie of Omaha, Nebraska; grandson, Edward Thalken of Omaha; his siblings: James Thalken and wife, Diana of Columbus, Nebraska; Tom Thalken of Omaha; Carol Bruner of Omaha; and Conne Thalken of Atlanta, Georgia; a sister-in-law, Mary Kay Thalken of Omaha; along with many nieces and nephews, and extended family members.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege, with the family greeting from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you donate to or volunteer for a cause that is meaningful to you.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.